Cyberbullying among adults with intellectual disabilities: Some preliminary data

Publication date: January 2018
Source:Research in Developmental Disabilities, Volume 72
Author(s): Cristina Jenaro, Noelia Flores, Vanessa Vega, Maribel Cruz, Ma. Carmen Pérez, Víctor A. Torres
BackgroundRecent studies show that youth with disabilities are at risk of experiencing cyberbullying. Nevertheless, the nature of this phenomenon among adults with intellectual disabilities has not been investigated. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to analyze the frequency and characteristics of cyberbullying and its correlates in individuals with intellectual disabilities attending training centers for adults with intellectual disabilities.Methods and proceduresA convenience sample of 269 participants (54.3% men and 35.7% women), aged 18–40 years was recruited from Chile (14.1%), Mexico (32%), and Spain (53.9%).ResultsThe findings showed that 15.2% have been cyberbullied 9.7% are currently being cyberbullied. Being different was the main reason (97.7%) for being cyberbullied. The behaviors happen in educational settings (46.67%), leisure/free time activities (31.11%), and associations for people with disabilities (15.56%). Verbal aggressions (74.53%) were the most common cyberbullying behaviors. Those who were cyberbullied reported more inadequate use of mobile phone and Internet, as well as more unhealthy behaviors and depressive mood.Conclusions and implicationsThese findings support the need for further studies on adults with intellectual disabilities, as well as the need for implementing primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention programs.



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